NJ Motor Vehicle Partners with Nam Knight Riders to Spread Important Safety MessageShow attendees and riders are encouraged to “Share the Road” during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
(CARLSTADT) – An enthusiastic crowd of car and motorcycle lovers not only got to see streets lined with their favorite vehicles today but heard an important safety message from the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) about how cars and motorcycles need to safely “Share the Road” with each other.

Dozens of classic cars and motorcycles were enjoyed by thousands at the 20th Annual Nam Knights of America Classic Car and Motorcycle Show. While the men and women of this philanthropic motorcycle club were raising funds for first responders around the state who are in need of some help of their own, MVC’s Chairman and Chief Administrator Raymond P. Martinez was able to address the crowd about the need for cars and motorcycles to safely coexist on our state’s many roadways.

“Riders are everywhere, and in New Jersey alone, we have about 300,000,” Martinez noted as the country begins to commemorate National Motorcycle Safety Awareness month. “They are our mothers, fathers, sons, daughters and grandparents and motorists need to safely share the road with them.”

“Not only should they share the road but all riders and motorists are also reminded to never drive distracted or use their cell phones,” added Fred “Fritz” Reiman, President of the Nam Knights of America.

Nam Knights of America is the third largest motorcycle club in America. While the parent organization remains in New Jersey, Nam Knights has more than 49 chapters in 10 states and 3 Canadian provinces all with the same selfless mission – to conduct charity work for veterans and law enforcement officials who have lost their lives in the line of duty and assist veterans of all wars who are unable to physically or financially help themselves.

Nam Knights from every chapter around the country have also been providing escorts to injured soldiers returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan. To date, the organization has provided some 80 escort rides to returning military men and women.

As of March 2012, there were 158,068 registered motorcycles in the State of New Jersey. In 2011, 92 motorcycle riders and four passengers lost their lives in motorcycle-related crashes in this state.

The MVC presently oversees the New Jersey Motorcycle Safety Education Program, which regulates nine not-for-profit and for-profit providers throughout the state. Approximately 7,400 riders are trained annually through the program, which offers a thorough review of every aspect of motorcycle safety. In addition to course materials created by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, basic and experienced riders are instructed by experts on a variety of topics including proper riding gear, safe operation and basic skills.

“Today, we are reinforcing the critical, lifesaving message that we are all equal partners in ensuring safety on the roadways,” Chief Martinez added. “Increasing public awareness about motorcycle safety will also help bring us closer to our goal of zero traffic fatalities – and nothing is more important than saving lives.”

A complete list of safety tips can be found on the foundation’s website at www.msf-usa.org. For more information about New Jersey’s motorcycle safety efforts, please visit www.njridesafe.org.